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Reed gifted with great attitude and ability

Reed gifted with great attitude and ability

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Addison Reed

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CHICAGO -- Attitude seems to be almost as important as ability where closing is concerned. White Sox closer Addison Reed has been blessed with both.

"I don't know if it's arrogance. It's just confidence," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of the rookie, who is 9-for-10 in save situations. "All closers have a certain amount of it. He has it. In his situation, he's never come in and looked scared or unconfident at all."

Reed actually thrives on tough situations, such as the one he pitched out of in the eighth inning during Saturday's 8-6 victory, retiring Corey Hart with the bases loaded and protecting a one-run White Sox lead. As for picking up his first career four-out save, Reed just looked at it as a chance to have more fun on the mound. It's all part of that inherent desire to become a closer he's possessed since his college days at San Diego State.

"You know, I was told he had it already," said Ventura of Reed possessing that attitude before making the big league club. "I just noticed from Spring Training on, talking to different people who had him in the Minors. That's the way he came. It wasn't like he didn't have it before he got here."